Essential Community Update

PLEASE NOTE: This message references sexual assault.

October 08, 2021

Dear Members of the UC Santa Cruz Community,

I write to you today with regard for our community and the well-being of all individuals within it. In doing this, I write to acknowledge that UC Santa Cruz is aware of a social media post in which a student describes a sexual assault. We take this -- and its impact to our community -- seriously. I want to assure you that we began investigating the deeply troubling report as soon as the allegations came to our attention. And, I want to assure you we are committed to providing support and resources to the student and we are taking action to support our entire campus community.

We encourage anyone who has information about the incident to please contact our Title IX Office and/or the UC Santa Cruz Police Department. Anyone in our community who has been the victim of sexual violence or sexual harassment should reach out to our Title IX Office.  

We recognize members of our community are hurting right now. This report is troubling and difficult to consider. We also know any report of sexual assault can evoke strong emotions and responses. If you -- or anyone you know -- wishes to speak to someone about sexual assault, I encourage you to please connect with our Ecosystem of Care resources. 

  • UCSC CARE responds to the needs of the community and individuals impacted by sexual violence, dating/domestic violence and stalking by providing prevention and intervention services, confidential advocacy, and support. The office seeks to create a culture of consent and respect on campus, empower survivors, and dismantle norms of violence. 

    • To make an appointment:

      • Call (831) 502-2273 (If after hours, leave a brief message with name and a safe number to call where we can identify as CARE.)

      • Email the CARE office at care@ucsc.edu (Please don't include personal health information in emails.)

  • Counseling and Psychological Services provides UCSC students with a wide range of mental health and wellness services, including brief individual therapy, Let's Talk drop-in consultations, crisis intervention, referrals, brief couples or family counseling (depending on counselor availability), educational outreach (e.g., through workshops, our newsletter, and social media), and consultation for non-clients (e.g., staff, faculty, family members).

    • If you haven't been seen at CAPS this academic year and want to talk to us about your concerns and options for getting help, call CAPS at (831) 459-2628 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to schedule an initial assessment appointment with a counselor.

  • Monarch Services, a local nonprofit, offers immediate crisis response to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking through its 24-hour confidential, bilingual crisis line: 1-888-900-4232

  • Respondent Support Services provides student respondents with holistic support as they engage in a Title IX or student conduct investigation.  Respondent Support Services can assist students in connecting to resources they need on and off campus, and can help them navigate policy and process. For anyone seeking support around concerns with being suspected or accused of being involved with this incident, contact Respondent Support Services at rss@uscs.edu.

As the investigation into these allegations continues and as we provide support to the entire campus community, I want to close by reiterating that sexual misconduct has no place at UC Santa Cruz. We are committed to fostering an environment free from the threat of sexual assault, while actively responding to the needs of those affected by sexual assault. 

 

In community,


Jennifer Baszile
Interim Vice Chancellor 
Division of Student Affairs and Success